I think I liked this volume even more than the first one. The art continues to be great, as does the story. I love that the romance doesn't knock you over the head, it's more subtle. I look forward to reading more about Siren and Kappa.

I very much enjoyed this installment of this engaging and cute graphic novel series. I especially love all the side characters and the touches of humor. This is a series I will definitely be continuing on with as it releases. If your brain has had a hard time reading lately (my attention span is like 10 seconds at this point) this is a perfect book to enjoy in just a couple of sittings. Highly recommend!

Heat Factor: Sweet little kisses

Character Chemistry: They just want the best for each other so much!

Plot: Siren is trying really hard to figure out a way not to kill Kappa but still to complete the prophecy and rescue his people

Overall: Aww

We left off with Kappa imprisoned in the shark people’s dungeons, Siren looking for a way out of killing him, and royals from the goofy other realms appearing to try to rescue Kappa from the sharks.

There are quite a few silly shenanigans in this volume, as the outside queens, Siren, and Kappa try to escape the shark enclave, but there’s also a lot of story that happens as we get a clearer picture of what exactly the shark people are dealing with as they try to overcome their suffering with this prophecy. There are no good answers here.

Aside from this being a heartwarming story, I like that the shark people especially get many opportunities to decide what’s the right choice. They often didn’t, and it was difficult to see Siren try to fight for what he believed in against people who were supposed to care about him and listen to him. But also there were people who showed themselves to be true friends by listening to him, thinking about the consequences of their choices, and making difficult decisions.

I’m not sure how many more volumes of this former webtoon there will be, but although the pressing issues have reached a tentative resolution, we’re not yet at a happy ending for all parties, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next for our fearless youngsters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

Another fantastic addition to this series. Such a fun world, I never thought I'd like merfolk this much! This one had a lot of twists that I didn't see coming - I'm so excited for more future volumes!

This was another cute installment.

Again with this one, while it was cute, there were also fairly dark themes. Siren tries to protect Kappa and is badly injured and nearly dies. It is revealed that Siren's mother, the shark queen, has lied about the prophecy and how it relates to the Beacon. We also have a pair of fantastic trans queens who try to help, and do end up helping a bit.

I really like the way this story is written, where even though it does have these darker topics and themes, it's still really sweet and cosy.

Looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you net gallery for the advanced copy of this webtoon. This is the second book in the series where the issues in the first book were resolved but definitely not a happy ending, just sort of a pause. I would recommend this series

This was super cute! The plot twist for this story was not what I expected at all but it does make sense overall. I really enjoyed how Kappa and Siren are fighting back against the system and trying to come into their true selves. I think the boys had a lot of growth in this volume. I can't wait to read more.

This was so cute!!! I loved the artwork and how colourful it was, the characters are adorable, I especially loved Kappa and Siren, but Skiff was such an incredible side character.

This graphic novel is fast paced and thrilling, I can't wait to read the next volumes!!

The story really picked up in this one.
I felt so much more connected to the characters and we had some serious character development. Good plot twist I didn't see coming.

This was a remarkable followup to the first volume. The stakes are even higher, and the budding romance is even sweeter. It's always nice when a sheltered person starts to see that their truth may not be a universal truth. I really liked the theme of this volume.

Summary:

Kappa is a creature of legend, or so it feels. His story is always tied up with the prophecy of any region - literally. A golden string pulls him around the oceans, for good or for ill. Most recently, that led him right to the shark kingdom.

The sharks have long believed that Prince Siren would have to kill Kappa to free them from their curse. Now that moment has come, and Prince Siren cannot - will not - do this. He’ll find a new path from this, or die trying.

Review:

Oh, I was so happy to see Castle Swimmer Vol. 2 pop up on my feed. I know I could have read it all on Webtoon (which you should do if you want to binge the series asap), but I wanted to wait for the graphic novel to be released.

Castle Swimmer Vol. 2 continues the story started in the first volume (duh), but it also includes a secret bonus chapter that isn’t available on Webtoon. So there’s an incentive to give this one a read.

The story follows Kappa and Siren, two young men carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Against all odds, they found a spark of happiness in each other, and they’re willing to defy prophecies to see the other safe. It’s an endearing and magical adventure, one that will strike a chord with many readers.

I really enjoyed Castle Swimmer Vol. 2, and while it seems like everything has (mostly) been wrapped up in a neat little bow, I hope this isn’t the end of the story. I would love to keep on reading.

Highlights:
Fantasy/Romance
LGBT
Coming-of-Age
Legends & Lore
Webtoon Series

I've been a fan of Castle Swimmer for almost 5 years now and I'm so happy to see it getting into print format. This is Volume 2 of the webseries turned graphic novel Castle Swimmer. This story follows Kappa, the Beacon of the sea, as he travels to different communities in the ocean fulfilling their prophesies, always doing good for others, and beloved by all the sea creatures. When his shining light pulls him toward a shark community that has been suffering from a curse, he meets Siren, the prince of the shark people. But this prophesy's fulfillment is more than Kappa, or Siren, is willing to sacrifice. As their friendship develophs into something more, a truth about the hidden nature of the prophesy will change everything.

The continuation of Soren and Kappa's journey as Soren navigates his duty to his people and his affection for Kappa, as well as the presence of some new guests.

This was just as great as the first volume, if not better! The progression of the story and the reveal of the twist was devastating, and raises some interesting questions. I am excited to see how they would get addressed in future volumes. The impacts of decisions made and lies told on Soren and his family were really well told and only enhanced by the art style, which provided levity in between tense moments and intensified the emotional scenes. Also, Soren and Kappa relationship progression! Love it. I definitely cannot wait for the future volumes to see how the story will continue to play out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I did not realize this was a sequel when requesting. I will have to locate the first book and then return to it before I can review. I do think its a series our younger patrons will enjoy.

Castle swimmer is such a delightful graphic novel.

The art I find particularly soothing and I enjoy the pacing of the story. all around I find is an immersive and soothing experience to read.

This was a comfort read for me when it was an online comic and I am so happy to see it released in novel form.

After falling in love with the enchanting world of Castle Swimmer in Volume 1, I was thrilled to return to Kappa and Siren’s story—and Volume 2 does not disappoint. Wendy Lian Martin delivers another breathtaking installment full of high-stakes tension, emotional complexity, and irresistible romance.
Martin’s art is as expressive and fluid as ever—there’s a real sense of movement, light, and emotion on every page. The underwater world feels both magical and oppressive, which mirrors the internal struggle of characters torn between duty and heart. The inclusion of a bonus chapter is a lovely touch, offering an extra glimpse into the quiet moments that make this romance so special.
This book isn’t just a continuation—it’s a deepening. Of conflict, of character, and of love. If you were captivated by the promise of Volume 1, this follow-up is both thrilling and satisfying, and it sets the stage for even more emotional currents to come.

Picking up where the first volume left off, Castle Swimmer continues the story of Prince Siren and Kappa. They may be destined to be enemies, but find themselves falling deeper into the trenches of love. As Prince Siren continues to plan a way out for Kappa, he hits many roadblocks along the way. Both no longer care for any preordained destiny; they will make their own future, and not through any harm toward each other.

Creative, sweet, and charming, Castle Swimmer remains a family-friendly love story about two boys who are both looking for where they belong. I read this in one sitting, and it was a delight to dive back into this world and watch Siren and Kappa not only connect with each other, but become more fully realized in their individual identities. Values are cemented and fought for, and lessons are learned. There is more to come, and I’ll be happy when it does!

This volume had everything high-stakes action, big feelings, and honestly some of the most beautiful art I’ve seen in a graphic novel lately, and I was completely locked in from start to finish.

Siren and Kappa’s relationship really shines here. It’s romantic, yes, but also layered with so much vulnerability and trust. Every moment between them hit harder this time, and I found myself genuinely rooting for them, especially with all the danger closing in.

There were a couple twists I didn’t see coming (love when that happens), and I really liked how the world keeps expanding without feeling overwhelming. It all just clicks.

I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

I love Wendy Martin’s art style in this series. It is so beautiful! Another great volume, which surprised me in the direction it took with the prophecy. Definitely not at all what I was expecting. Kappa and Siren’s story is one that I am highly enjoying and I look forward to see what will occur next.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy*

This was so fun. I love the art style so much, and the colour palette is unmatched!! It feels like you’re in the ocean with the characters as you read, and it’s amazing.

I read volume 1 last year, so I kind of forgot how it ended, but it quickly made sense when I started this volume. I loved how the story continued, and the plot twists! Wow.